Understanding the Current Perm Processing Time in 2023: Navigating Labor Department’s Immigration Challenges

Introduction

In the intricate landscape of immigration and employment, the concept of permanent labor certification (PERM) stands as a pivotal gateway for employment-based immigrants seeking permanent residence. However, the year 2023 has unveiled a complex scenario with regards to perm processing time, as the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) introduces changes that have left employers and applicants grappling with confusion and unpredictability. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of PERM, the recent challenges posed by DOL, and the potential solutions that lie ahead.

The Evolving Landscape of Perm Processing Time

As we venture into 2023, the landscape of PERM processing time finds itself in the midst of unprecedented shifts. The DOL’s role in adjudicating PERM applications has become a source of concern for employers, attorneys, and aspiring immigrants alike. Recent events have highlighted a substantial surge in the denial rate of PERM applications, a trend that has set the stage for confusion and apprehension within the immigration and employment sectors.

Decoding the Essence of PERM

At the core of the immigration process for employment-based immigrants lies the concept of labor certification, a cornerstone of attaining a green card. The PERM program mandates employers to undergo a labor market test, which involves placing advertisements before proceeding to fill out Form 9089.

The intricate 15-page application encompasses crucial details, including employer identification, prevailing wage specifics, and the pivotal “Job Opportunity Information” section (Section H). This section delves into the specifics of the job offered, including the necessity of experience and the acceptability of alternate occupations.

The Unprecedented Challenge: Denial Surge

A tide of denied PERM applications has reverberated across law firms and employers in recent times, signaling a profound shift in DOL’s approach to adjudicating these applications. What makes these denials particularly perplexing is the absence of prior warnings or public notifications regarding a change in evaluation criteria. These denials have left applicants and employers scrambling for answers in the face of an altered landscape.

Analyzing the Denial Data

A comprehensive analysis of DOL disclosure data sheds light on the escalating denial rate of PERM applications. The first quarter of FY 2023 witnessed a denial rate of 6.8%, more than double the 3.2% denial rate of the same period in FY 2022. This trend contradicts the notion that DOL’s adjudication processes have remained consistent over time.

The Core Issue: Question H.10-B

The crux of the denials hinges on Question H.10-B of Form 9089. This question urges employers to specify the job title of an acceptable alternate occupation, a key component for experience qualification. The absence of comprehensive guidance on how to address this question has led to diverse responses from employers over the years.

Impact on Green Card Process

The consequences of a denied PERM application ripple through multiple dimensions. Individuals facing such denials may experience delays of up to a year and a half in the green card process. This delay can have far-reaching implications, affecting benefits for children and the legal status of individuals under L-1 visa categories.

The Road Ahead: Seeking Solutions

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, potential solutions emerge on the horizon. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has initiated dialogues with DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) to address the issue. OFLC has acknowledged inconsistencies in their adjudication processes and has shown willingness to review cases related to Question H.10-B denials.

Anticipating a Resolution

While optimism surrounds these discussions, caution prevails. The road to rectification may be long, and the issue at hand requires comprehensive attention. Employers, attorneys, and applicants alike hope for a solution that not only addresses existing denials but also paves the way for a clearer, more efficient adjudication process in the future.

Concluding Thoughts

As the perm processing time landscape evolves in 2023, stakeholders grapple with the challenges posed by DOL’s shifting adjudication methods. The journey ahead calls for a harmonious dialogue between stakeholders and government bodies to ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient immigration process. As DOL continues to redefine its approach, the collective pursuit of clarity and predictability stands as the guiding principle for a system that impacts countless lives and livelihoods.